How to Make a Simple Watercolor Field Easel for a Tripod Mount

A simple, plein air, field easel suitable for location sketching and watercolor painting is really simple to make. I show you how to make this one which is light weight, inexpensive, easy to make and mounts to a standard camera tripod.
Global Arts Handmade Journal - amzn.to/2JDei4K
Materials:
Easel Board - 17.5"x 12" x1/8"
(hardboard or masonite)
Bottom Lip - 19" x 3/4" x 3/8"
(solid hardwood such as oak or maple or hardwood plywood)
Back Mount Bracket/Support - 17.5" x [camera mount width] x 3/4"
(solid hardwood such as oak or maple or hardwood plywood)
Threaded Wood Insert - To accept 1/4 - 20 tripod mount threads
Wood Screws - length suitable for attaching lip and bottom mounting support to the easel board
Wood Glue
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[@mindofwatercolor]

I made several modifications to this easel later after some field trials. Here is the video on what I did. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIuckGxnmqeIh6M

[@mindofwatercolor]

In my college days I used to just sit cross-legged on the ground with my drawing board and a watercolor block on my lap, pallet on the ground. Don't know how I did it. If I tried that today I might never get up again! :)

[@MeowMeowKapow]

The Mind of Watercolor that’s where I am, too. =>.

[@dorothyminor7581]

My husband watched this tutorial and made me this easel! I love it. Thanks so much

[@1957DLT]

My father-in-law, a woodworker hobbyist, is on an extended visit with us right now. I showed him this video this morning and asked him "Can you do something like this for me?" I had it by the end of the afternoon! He loved the quick and easy project, I love my new easel and cannot wait to test drive it outside.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+1957DLT Yay! Glad he was able to make it for you.

[@MeowMeowKapow]

I don’t care that this is like four years old, I love it! Really dig the “I want it, let’s see if I can make it” mindset and hardcore want to try making something similar myself, now.

[@mindofwatercolor]

So far its worked really well too. Thanks!

[@joesurfer9754]

This guy has a magnificent personality.

[@Balmorian]

The field easel looks great, a very good idea. Thank you for sharing.

[@scruffydogdave]

Very nice. Clean and simple.

[@southtipperaryartgroup509]

Great idea and your painting is super also!

[@sheriewilliard1694]

Thank you for simplifying this conundrum. 😊

[@wanttolearnreidy4469]

What a good idea. Simple and practical. You seem to have a lot of excellent equipment in your workshop. I am pleased that you shared the step-by-step video and verbal instructions.

[@iBeitaCR]

Yes!! More plein air videos please!!! It looks so serene and beautiful. Makes me want to try plein air!

[@mindofwatercolor]

iBeitaCR Will do. Thanks for watching.

[@joycewickman3249]

Thanks for the demonstration. I've been wanting one and now I can make it!

[@liberaldirector]

Awesome! I have all the supplies and ready to give this project a shot. Btw. Nice tree.

[@janelubenskyi1177]

Super idea thank you….

[@hectorrobledo6412]

Muy bueno 🎉🎉

[@DB-zo5ng]

A rainy Sunday project. Thank you.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Denis Bernicky 👍🙂

[@suzalasuzala1135]

thanx so much for this demo.. I saw one for sale for over $200!. The tripod was $43. and at a camera store it was $13. I just had to figure out a way to mount a board. You were right on target.. Thanx!

[@trishbrown3285]

I would love to see the modifications you made to your field easel. I just bought a big piece of the Masonite board and had them cut it into various sizes for me at Lowes but I still have a big piece left. I have not ventured into Plein air painting yet but I am motivated. Oh, and after watching several of your video's from your sketch book over the past few days I feel less isolated since it is now 2020 and we have been much less mobile for the past 6 months. I have just been traveling along with your virtually and feel like I have been out of the house. We are taking our first trip out of town soon so I made a handmade journal out of Fabriano Artisico Paper and hope to do at least some sketching along the way. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@happymv5350]

Great idea! Now I know what to do with my old Kodak tripod. Gonna try to construct one this weekend and attempt to capture the gorgeous fall/winter colors.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Sounds good! Go for it!

[@EvaNichols28]

Hi Steve, Thanks for this video on how to make your own Field Easel for watercolor - I just watched an Australian video where I first saw this idea - but the easel without tripod cost over $200 + shipping! So, you saved me a bundle - thanks!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Eva Nichols Awesome! Thats what I hoped. So glad it was a help, and thanks for watching!

[@DavidLoisgabriel]

Gret ldia 👍✌️😃😃😃😃😃

[@johnminarcikfineart7673]

Wow, that was really cool. Thank you

[@TTomJohn]

Nice one, Steve. And it includes a rare right profile intro.😁🖒

[@johnsodnc]

Thanks Steve, you've inspired me to try some outdoor painting and built this mount. It took only an hour and a half and compares to those that are $200 or more. I absolutely love it. I've just started following your videos and am really learning a lot and quite frankly am really enjoying your sense of humor. You do really nice work.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Awesome! Glad it works for you. Did you see my video where I modified it to fit in a back pack? Not necessary at all but another option if you want a smaller version. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIuckGxnmqeIh6M

[@angelhelp]

This is outstanding! I've been using a folding aluminum table that's the size of a so-called tv-table but lighter, but the camera attachment makes yours so much better!

[@mindofwatercolor]

👍

[@mirasmall3292]

Fabulous idea using a camera tripod for a plein easel, I am always designing similar things out of owned items, too. So I really appreciate your ingenuity! - Mira

[@mindofwatercolor]

Ml Small Thanks and thanks for watching!

[@markdonovan1540]

Nice little DIY fix

[@martaescobar7625]

I found a cheap camera tripod and glued the piece that connects to the camera to the back of the same type board you made, since I'm not using the tripod for anything else.It works great. Thinking outside the box...love it:)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Super, glad you gave that a try!

[@melodief3848]

Love your videos. Thanks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Melodie Fairburn You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

[@will-wf6sb]

i've got a camera tripod so i'l give this a go, i dont paint outside generally but this is also a great space saver i'm thinking as my home is pretty small so room is at a premium! ,and tripods swivel well if needed to let washes flow e.c.t, a great idea for sure, well done and thanks from the jon in the uk

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Bob “Bob B” Long Sounds like a plan. Should work well for that.

[@JamesPliny]

That looks very nice. Most often I just tape my paper on a foam our use a watercolor paper block and set it on my lap and paint. An easel looks much more professional (although I usually paint in the wilderness where seeing someone else is rare). I have used an easel once or twice, but, more verticle. I like your idea and I will definitely make one much like yours from some nice 1/8" plywood scrap I have lying (or is it laying, I never know) about.

[@pamelaatwell523]

It's lying. You were right.

[@msfields74]

Nice...great job

[@amymclaughlin1201]

Love this idea, my husband is quite the carpenter, so I know he could do it. Then I was looking at other designs and boxes for sale and discovered that funny shaped box I inherited recently is a Guerrilla 5 x 7 box. Free is best so I'll try that first. Love your channel

[@mindofwatercolor]

Its very easy to make. This video kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIuckGxnmqeIh6M (more recent) shows how I cut that same design down for a lighter more compact easel that fits in a back pack. But either one works well. By the way I'll be doing a review of the Guerrilla Painter 6x8 thumb box and how to use it for watercolor. Same box as yours just a tad larger.

[@sylvia4425]

Great DIY video! I'm really looking forward to your future Plein Air videos and tips. ***I belong to a Watercolor Society/club here in Southern California and I don't know why but I'm always obsessed with seeing how other people have their Plein Aire materials set-up and what kind of materials they drag to our different monthly "paint-out" locations for painting outdoors. Some bring as little as humanly possible. (Think: paint palette...the size of a tiny "Sucrets" cough-drop box)....and some haul the kitchen sink...with the kitchen!!!!!!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks! And my next plein air video will deal with my over all set up. Or at least what set up I'm going to try. I'll be one of those who tends to bring too much, LOL!

[@mindofwatercolor]

@ Daniela - Glad to hear it. Thanks so much for watching!

[@mritunjayvarun6369]

thanks i have the same confusion on how to convert my uselss tripod to easel ,thanks for saving my lots os money :)

[@plekang1]

Nice little project! I have a "French Easel" which is fine but clumsy ... I am going to give this a try. One question - is the surface easy to tilt if you want/need to direct the paint "drift?" Thanks! Paul

[@Tessanna12]

What a neat little set up! Love it, and so well explained. The painting you did of that fall tree was amazing!I'm really enjoying your videos and learning alot. Ty for that. Does Reese get to go plein air painting with you sometimes? Hehe

[@mindofwatercolor]

Tessanna12 He doesn't usually but I guess I should ask him. The fresh air could do him some good. He is looking a bit pale. ;-)

[@LisaGreenbow]

Great idea. I would use a T-nut instead of the brass thing. T-nut won't pull out in the wind.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Lisa Greenbow thanks Lisa. I discarded the t-nut idea early on because it doesn't allow the tripod mounting plate to come into full flush contact without a counter bore. The insert is simpler and a hair below the wood surface. It took a lot of torque to screw that insert in and it's also epoxied in. It's not going anywhere. Even so, that much wind would blow over the easel before the insert came out.

[@gizimama]

Thanks for the idea, then my children help me out. I write about Hungary with google translator :) :) :)

[@lincasey248]

Thank you for all your wonderful videos! I am so in love with this easel! With not being able to make my own - would ever consider selling them?

[@vaughnemett4545]

Looks a lot like the one I made, Steve. And my first table saw was a Bosch identical to yours. I bought your same tripod. Now I just have to figure out how to deal with the wind.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yeah wind can be an issue. I don't paint much in wind myself. Look forward to hearing more about your plein air adventures.

[@Greybeard1357]

Thanks for a great little tutorial. Time to check out the yard sales for an old tripod. :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Old Man Good idea.👍

[@christinelubanski9880]

Very helpful, thank you. Can you buy the steel insert that attaches to the tripod at a hardware store? What is the correct name for this please? Thanks Christine

[@Liezzah]

Fantastic Video! Man of many talents. I want one. LOL! you need to make to sell, ha ha.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hee hee, I admit to being a bit of a weekend wood worker. I know just enough to be dangerous. I wasn't sure the easel design would work out so I recorded it anyway. It actually works very well. Its a great design if you have some wood scrap laying around.

[@CharlesBernth]

Hey! Nice table saw. Isn't it a Binford 8700?

[@Gwentheknitter]

I enjoy seeing the handknit hats in your life. Who knits for you?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Wife

[@ArielleLavecchia]

It's a very good Easel... thank you for showing how easy it is to make one! That's a beautiful journal you were using in the end there. Where did you buy it from?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Arielle Lavecchia I got it at Hobby Lobby. I've searched for a link to share since others have asked about it but I can't find one. There is no brand name. It simply says "Hand Made Watercolor Book". Its made in India for Hobby Lobby. I saw one like it at Flax Art Supply once but still can't find an order link for it online.

[@ArielleLavecchia]

Thanks!!! I'll try to look around for it too!!! Might get lucky and actually get one. It's a beautiful book.

[@cametientaucoeur]

Nice, frugal & worthwhile project. Have you made or found any more similar ideas?

[@mindofwatercolor]

No, but I made some revisions to it to make it more portable for a back pack. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIuckGxnmqeIh6M

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

i have three or four easels a large studio and two desk top easels and a field easel by daler and rowney its an antique one from 1940s or there abouts

[@mindofwatercolor]

Cool!

[@andymandyandsheba4571]

studio easel will take 5 foot canvas

[@whrestheblksmth]

Thank you for this. I was following an artist on instagram and was pretty sure they didn't buy thier easel, they carried around a camera. I had a camera and tripod and tried looking for an attachment..

[@wendyb7993]

What brand is the handmade book you are painting in ? Love this portable kit 👍

[@mindofwatercolor]

amzn.to/2JDei4K 😊

[@sharonavalos9165]

Great idea! How's it holding up? Is there anything you have changed or would do differently? Thanks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Sharon Avalos I did another video on some size modifications to fit my backpack. But that's it.

[@barryteghtmeyer5466]

Field easel versus the pochade box? I have a Geurilla thumb pochade, which is great for smaller paintings, would it be worth my time to create a field easel as well? Thoughts?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Field easels are great for bigger paintings on location, if that's what you do. The downside is they are cumbersome and can be heavy to carry very far.

[@Ammassalik1]

Good idea and well done! The demonstration of how to do it to me is very helpful. What are the two lateral hooks, perhaps to keep hooked the jar of water and a rag? Thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

***** Exactly. I can hook my small water container (which has a handle like a bucket) on either side and an extra rag hanging hook if I need it.

[@Ammassalik1]

Thank you!

[@900cubes]

How do you like that sketchbook you were using with the brown cover? I have the same one but a bigger size but I don't know how I feel about that paper. I've only used it once since I bought it a few years ago.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Matthew Aragon Its not bad. It takes a little getting used to. Its certainly not Arches paper but for a sketchbook it'll do. It doesn't stand up to lifting very well or scrubbing at all.

[@lisadale7605]

Thanks - do you recommend a best tripod? I see a Manfrotto that's just under 2lb., 4lb weight capacity (their lightest), but some say don't have it too light, - and does the ball head matter?

[@linasan443]

I'd like to know the height relative to your body at which you should place the easel while standing. If you could answer I'd appreciate it.

[@mindofwatercolor]

It can vary but I just do it for neck comfort mainly. I don't like to look straight down.

[@linasan443]

Thanks for answering straight away.

[@jinxmas]

question Obi Wan.......what sketchbook are you painting in at the end of your vid? LOVES IT

[@mindofwatercolor]

Its like this one. amzn.to/2uxg9AL

[@renmuffett]

I have 2 camera tripods and have been trying to figure out how I can make my own en plein easel to attach to it. I saw one that Tom Lynch (watercolorist) was promoting that costs a fortune! I thought, No Way! I was going to have my handy husband make something for me. Thanks for this clue. I was wondering what to put that screw into and where to find one. I did not know they made those. If I had asked my husband he probably would have known since he was a Master Carpenter/Contractor for years. Thanks for the hints.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Renee Marks You're welcome.

[@claudiaambrose5350]

Where did you find a brass insert that fits your quick release camera mount? I am trying to build an easel similar to yours using a Slik 50 U8000 tripod. Thanks

[@mindofwatercolor]

Lowes or any home or hardware store. Standard tripod mounts are 1/4 20 threads.

[@BebiKipli]

Great idea there! However, in the end of the video my eyes laid on your book and that's actually the book I've been looking for crafting myself or find someone who sell it. Can you share more about it? Thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Its a Global Arts Hand-Book Journal. I don't see them very often. It looks cool but the watercolor paper is a bit hard to paint on.

[@agedjake]

Well thought out and considered. Always looking for ways to save the pennies. Thank you.

[@mindofwatercolor]

agedjake Thanks for watching!

[@ZarahMcIntosh]

I wanted to know about the sketchbook you had at the very end.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Its this one. Cool looking paper but not the easiest to paint on. Very absorbent. amzn.to/2BjWfgK

[@AllanEngelhardt0]

How did this one hold up over time? You were worried about that tripod screw. Are you still using it?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Very well. I've been pleased with the sturdiness of it, especially for how light it is.

[@rhondamagee7459]

you would love my Dad's shop....power tool junkie

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Rhonda Magee I've been known to obsess in that direction myself on occasion!

[@rhondamagee7459]

haha ;)

[@lauriek.8759]

How did the mounting to trypoid hold up?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Has been great. Very stable,

[@will-wf6sb]

and i'l try and let you know how i get on with it,, thanks

[@mindofwatercolor]

+Bob “Bob B” Long Please do!

[@jasneskis]

Where do you buy those inserts? I want to make a tripod easel and inserts is the only thing I have to buy.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Any hardware store. I got mine at Lowes.

[@sherrierichard2848]

I have the same question as another viewer. Where did you buy the 1/4-20 insert to fit your quick release plate? Also you didn't show it being inserted into your board on the back. How did you do that? Did you screw it in or just epoxy it into the wood? What size screw bit should you use...1/4"? I'm a girl so I don't know these things!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Any common hardware store carries them. It has a screw driver slot. I just chose a drill bit (visually) that was roughly the same diameter then epoxied it in.

[@sherrierichard2848]

@@mindofwatercolor Thank you!

[@dshe8637]

Now you are a girl who DOES know these things.

[@junktube4000]

Could this easel be used for drawing? Could you wrest your wrists on it without it bending?

[@alisonnicole2]

What was your source for the camera mount?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Its a Dolica camera tripod I purchased from Amazon. amzn.to/2eACPHU

[@MichaelRpdx]

How is the tripod attachment point working? As I watched I thought "he's going to use a t-nut", and was surprised by your brass insert choice. It seems a t-nut would be stronger. I'm sure your local hardware store has them. Here's a Grainger link for common reference. (aka I couldn't find it on the Ace site) www.grainger.com/search?searchBar=true&searchQuery=1%2F4+20+t+nut

[@mindofwatercolor]

I have T Nuts, but I think an insert is more secure. It working very well. The insert is tightly threaded in to an oak block and epoxied. I want the surface of the block flush so it fully contacts the tripod plate. A T Nut prevents that. When painting its easy to bump the edge of the tray and rotate it accidentally. Full contact with the block makes all the difference.

[@MichaelRpdx]

With a T nut on the back, sandwiched between the stiffener and the hardboard part you'd retain full contact and it would be virtually impossible to dislodge. I used them / this technique on a telescope I built.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Then you have a non flush situation under the hardboard unless you counter sink it. The T Nut's I have are not deep enough to go all the way through the stiffener block and be flush with the tripod plate side. The tripod plate screw only goes in about 1/8". An insert is coarse threaded on the outside. Its not strictly a friction fit. It makes a perfectly neat 1/4 20 receptacle and is in no way insecure. I trust it more than a T Nut. Have you ever tried threading one of those inserts into oak. I added epoxy for good measure. Believe me its not going anywhere. The insert would strip out its threads first.

[@deezynar]

Isn't the easel just one part of the whole arsenal that must be hauled into the field and set up there? It seems that a box with folding, telescoping legs would carry all the tools inside it AND act as the easel. I've watched plein air watercolor artists lugging their stuff around, setting several bags in the dirt, then assembling jury-rigged easels and tables to get their stuff up off the ground again. They then open the bags, pull out more containers and open them to get at their brushes and other items. That is NOT the way to do it. It's clumsy, dirty, and time consuming.

[@mindofwatercolor]

deezynar People will often just grab what they have at their studio and stuff it all into a bag. I think the pochade field boxes you speak of are good if you want to carry a complete painting studio set up into the field and do full size paintings. Particularly oil painters. Its not light though (and not cheap either). I personally don't need all that. My plein air painting consists of sketching into a journal or small block. I have a small pouch that holds a few brushes and pencil. A water cup, a compact, pre-filled folding palette, and the journal (and of course the easel). Simple, compact and very light. All fits easily into a small backpack (or attaches) and is just as quick to set up as a pochade box but much lighter and easier to carry. The camera tripod mount easel is not a jury-rig by the way. Its an effective design used by other manufacturers (like guerrilla painter). I just copied the idea in a cheap, easy to make format. Works great! :-)

[@deezynar]

The Mind of Watercolor You get to the place you want to paint at and you set your stuff down on the ground so your hands are free to set up your easel. You then have to hold your palette and brushes off the ground somehow. It's an awkward mess that is especially horrible if you go out right after a rain. Right after a rain happens to be the best time to paint where I live. You mention pochade boxes, but I haven't seen one that's designed for the needs of watercolor painters. And, YES, I am interested in doing large paintings in the field. A box like I'm thinking about would not be cheap, but if someone made their living from painting plein air, the cost would be insignificant considering the convenience it would provide. As it is, I also do woodworking and would make my own box. It's not the hardest woodworking project to take on, but it is pretty involved.